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Chris Lovell, Richmond Hill city manger

After nearly four months without a city manager, the Richmond Hill City Council voted unanimously Tuesday during its regular meeting to hire Chris Lovell to fill the position. Lovell, a Richmond Hill resident who most recently worked for an accounting firm, said Friday he was excited about his new position.“I’m looking forward to working with the mayor and council and everyone currently working at City Hall,” Lovell said. “I’m excited to get things going.”Lovell, a lifelong resident of the city, will begin his duties as city manager May 21 according to Pam Pendrak, the city’s human resources director. Lovell will get on-the-job training, as well as formal government training classes to be held at a later date, she added. The city manager’s salary had not yet been determined as of Friday afternoon, Pendrak said.Lovell was selected from three final candidates, including current City Clerk Ursula Lee and Savannah resident Nathan Mai-Lombardo. Each candidate made a presentation to the council. Lovell’s presentation included an explanation of his management style, his plans for the first 60 days as the city’s new manager and more. He also told the council he understood growth and finance, both of which are “integral parts of a growing community,” he said.“I’ve got a pretty strong accounting background … and there are some things I’d like to do to help you kind of better get a grasp of where the city is financially.”Lovell also noted his expectations of all city employees and the importance of treating the community as a customer.“Each employee of the city should have a supportive attitude,” he said. “We serve the public, and as city manager, I serve you guys who are elected by the public.”Read more in the May 5 edition of the News.